Cymopterus multinervatus Springparsley
PERENNIAL. Bluish-green leaves are smooth and finely dissected
into small round lobes. Flowers are globular, purplish green to dark
reddish purple with prominent veins (hence the species name). Seeds
have four broad wavy translucent white wings. Seed clusters are larger
and showier than the flowers. One of the earliest spring wildflowers,
blooming in February-March, fruiting in April. In the Empires, occasional
among gravel on gentle slopes in desert grassland,often on limestone.
Lomatium nevadense, a close relative, has similar leaves but longer
flowerstalks, tiny white flowers, and flat disc-like seeds.
FAMILY: Apiaceae (Parsley Family)